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Dementia: What it is

Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that causes a slow, chronic decline in brain function. These diseases include Alzheimer’s, stroke (vascular dementia), a combination of Alzehimer’s disease and vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia. There are currently more than 70 diseases that can cause dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.

Dementia typically affects the elderly, but it can also present in people under the age of 65, known as early onset dementia. This condition is more likely to be hereditary and is devastating to both the patients and their family as the patient is usually still in the productive years of his or her life.

Delirium: What it is

Delirium is a condition that causes a change to the brain’s function. It typically occurs over a few hours to days and has an underlying medical cause. Another feature of delirium is a fluctuation in consciousness levels, with periods of drowsiness alternating with periods of hyper-vigilance. After the underlying medical condition has been treated, the patient’s brain should revert to its normal state. In some cases, it may take up to six months for the patient to fully recover.

Disclaimer: All HealthXchange articles are intended for general information only and provided on the understanding that no surgical and medical advice or recommendation is being rendered. Please do not disregard the professional advice of your physician.

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